The prominent Islamic scholar, “Ibn Funduq”
On 27th of the Islamic month of Sha’ban in 490 AH, the prominent Islamic scholar, Abu'l-Hassan Ali Ibn Zaid Bayhaqi, popularly known as “Ibn Funduq” and "Fareed-e Khorasan", was born in the city of Bayhaq in northeastern Iran, which later became known as Sabzevar. He was an expert in hadith, theology, literature, mathematics, and philosophy. His most important book is "Ma'arej Nahj al-Balagha", a commentary on the famous compilation of the eloquent sermons, letters, and maxims of Imam Ali (AS). In Persian he authored “Tarikh-e Bayhaq” on the history of the region, giving geographical and dynastic details. Among his books, mention can also be made of “Lubaab al-Ansaab” on genealogy of notable figures. He passed away in the year 565 AH.

One of the prominent scholars of ethics, Mullah Hussain-Qoli Hamedani
On 28th of the Islamic month of Sha’ban in 1311 AH, one of the prominent scholars of ethics, Mullah Hussain-Qoli Hamedani, passed away at the age of 73 years. After completion of preliminary studies, he acquired knowledge by attending important scientific centers and gradually became known as one of the acclaimed lecturers of ethics and mysticism. The ethics classes of this well-known Iranian theologian at the Najaf Seminary in Iraq were always full of enthusiastic students.

The prominent Islamic scholar, Mullah Ali Aliyari Tabrizi
On 5th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 1236 AH, the prominent Islamic scholar, Mullah Ali Aliyari Tabrizi, was born in the city of Tabriz, northwestern Iran. He was an expert in theology, hadith, poetry, and literature, as well as in medicine, mathematics, and astronomy. At the seminary of holy Najaf in Iraq, he studied under such prominent figures as Ayatollah Sheikh Morteza Ansari, and Mirza Hassan Shirazi. On returning to Iran, he lectured and groomed numerous students. In addition to Islamic sciences, he also taught mathematics and astronomy. He compiled several books on theology and Islamic topics of importance.

The renowned Iranian Imami theologian, Ibn Abdul-Aziz Daylami
On 6th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 463 AH, the renowned Iranian Imami theologian, Abu Ya'la Hamza Ibn Abdullah Sallar Ibn Abdul-Aziz Daylami, passed away. He was a prominent student of the celebrated Shaikh Mufid and after him of the renowned Seyyed Mortaza Alam al-Hoda. Among his works, mention can be made of “al-Abwaab wa'l-Fosoul”, “at-Taqrib fi'l-Usoul”, and "al-Marasem al-Alawiyya fi Ahkaam an-Nabawiyya". He is not to be confused with another famous theologian Abu Ya'la al-Ja'fari, the son-in-law of Shaikh Mufid, who passed away ten days later on 16th of Ramadhan in the same year. It is worth noting Abu Ya'la is a common “kunya” (agnomen) of all those persons whose name is Hamza.

The prominent Islamic scholar the Grand Ayatullah, Mirza Mohammad Hashem Khansari
On 17th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 1318 AH, the prominent Islamic scholar and Source of Emulation, Mirza Mohammad Hashem Khansari, passed away in Isfahan. He was an authority in theology, jurisprudence, hadith, and exegesis of the Holy Qur'an. He groomed many students and compiled several valuable books, including “Jawaher al-Uloum”.

Grand Ayatullah Mohammad Fazel Sharbiani
On 17th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 1322 AH, the well-known Source of Emulation, especially in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Fazel Sharbiani, passed away. Born in northwestern Iran, he became a unique lecturer of Islamic sciences, and besides mastery over Hadith and its sources, was a prominent exegete of the Holy Qur'an. He has left behind a nine-volume book on the treatises of the celebrated Iranian head of the Najaf Seminary, Ayatollah Shaikh Morteza Ansari.

The Iranian scholar, Ayatullah Shamseddin Behbahani
On 14th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 1248 AH, the Iranian scholar, Shamseddin Behbahani, passed away. He was a student of Mohaqqeq Behbahani. He was a highly knowledgeable theologian and a pious mystic and spent most of his life, compiling books. He has written a detailed annotation on “Ma’alem al-Osoul”, and treatises on the principles of religion.

The Iranian theologian and mystic, Ayatullah Mirza Jahangir Khan Qashqai
On 13th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 1328 AH, the Iranian theologian and mystic, Mirza Jahangir Khan Qashqai, passed away. He was born among Qashqai nomads in central Iran. He acquired knowledge and became a prominent Islamic scholar. Later on, he groomed numerous students in the seminary of Isfahan, including Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Modarres, and Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Hussain Boroujerdi, during his 50-year teaching career. He passed away at the age of 85 years and was laid to rest in the city of Isfahan.

Ayatollah Shaikh Fazlollah Nouri
On August 1, 1909 AD, the courageous Islamic scholar, Ayatollah Shaikh Fazlollah Nouri, was martyred in Tehran through hanging by agents of colonial powers. He strove to promote justice in society, playing a leading role in the Constitutional Movement against the despotism of the Qajarid Kings. After the formation of the first national parliament and drafting of the Constitution, he voiced his protest to some of its clauses which were contrary to Islam. He staged a sit-in at the shrine of Hazrat Abdul-Azim in Rayy, south of Tehran, along with other leading activists, ending the protest when parliament promised not to contradict the shar'ia. Colonial agents, fearing his influence plotted against him and martyred him on trumped up charges.

Ayatollah Shaikh Mohammad Bahari Hamedani
On 9th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 1325 AH, Ayatollah Shaikh Mohammad Bahari Hamedani passed away. A product of the famous Islamic seminary of Najaf, he was known for his piety, and among his books is “Tazaker al-Mottaqin”.

Ayatollah Ali Akbar Faiz Meshkini
On July 29, 2007, Ayatollah Ali Akbar Faiz Meshkini, passed away at the age of 86 year. He was born in the vicinity of the northwestern Iranian city of Meshkin-Shahr, in an academic and virtuous family. He studied Islamic sciences under his father and thereafter continued his studies in the holy city of Qom, under prominent scholars, such as Grand Ayatollah Boroujerdi, and the Father of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace). He joined Imam’s movement against Shah’s despotic regime, and was detained and exiled on several occasions. Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, he took charge of important posts; the most important of which was chairmanship of the Assembly of Experts for three 8-year terms. He has left behind numerous compilations, including “Islah al-Osoul” and“Marriage in Islam”.

The famous Imami theologian, Ibn Zuhra
On 7th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 511 AH, the famous Imami theologian, Seyyed Abu’l-Makarem Ibn Zuhra, was born in Aleppo, Syria. He studied in Najaf in Iraq under prominent students of the famous scholar Abu Ja’far Shaykh at-Tayefa Tousi, and on return to Syria groomed several scholars. He has left behind several books including "al-Ghunyah"on fiqh. He passed away in 585 AH.

Ayatollah Mirza Mohammad Saqafi
On August 8, 1985 AD, the contemporary Islamic scholar and theologian, Ayatollah Mirza Mohammad Saqafi, passed away at the age of 90 years. Born in Tehran, he attended the Qom Seminary and the classes of prominent lecturers of his day, attaining the status of Ijtehad. This renowned Islamic scholar spent a lifetime, promoting the sacred religion of Islam and compiling valuable books on exegesis of Holy Qur’an, theology, jurisprudence and hadith. Among his several compilations, mention can be made of the five-volume book in Persian titled: “Ravaan-e Javid”.
The prominent Islamic Scholar, Abdul-Hussein Tehrani, popularly known as “Sheikh al-Iraqayn”
On 22nd of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 1286 AH, the prominent Islamic Scholar, Abdul-Hussein Tehrani, popularly known as “Sheikh al-Iraqayn”, passed away and was laid to rest in the courtyard of the holy shrine of Imam Husain (AS) in Karbala. He was an authority in theology, hadith, and exegesis of the Holy Qur’an. He was highly interested in collecting religious books and endowed his library for the use of researchers, following his death.

The prominent Iranian Islamic scholar, Faazel-e Hindi
On 25th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 1137 AH, the prominent Iranian Islamic scholar, Baha od-Din Mohammad ibn Taj od-din Isfahani, known popularly as Faazel-e Hindi, because of his long stay in India, passed away in Iran. He was an authority on theology and has left behind valuable compilations including an exegesis of Holy Qur'an.

The prominent Iranian Islamic scholar, Jamal od-Din Mohammad Khwansari
On 26th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 1125 AH, the prominent Iranian Islamic scholar, Jamal od-Din Mohammad Khwansari, passed away. Born in a religious and academic family, he completed his studies in the Safavid capital, Isfahan. and became an authority on logic, philosophy, theology, principles of theology, and exegesis of Holy Qur'an. He has written an annotation on the philosophical masterpiece "ash-Shefa" of Iranian Islamic genius Abu Ali ibn Sina.

The famous Imami scholar, Ibn Abi Firas
On 2ndof the Islamic month of Shawwal in 605 AH, the famous Imami scholar, Shaikh Saleh Abu'l-Hassan Warram Ibn Abi Firas, passed away. He was the maternal grandfather of the celebrated scholar, Seyyed ibn Tawous. He authored the book “Tanbih al-Khawater” which is also known as Majmou-at-al-Warram.

Ayatollah Mirza Hussein Shahrestani
On 3rd of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 1315 AH, the prominent Iranian scholar, Ayatollah Mirza Hussein Shahrestani, passed away. He attained the status of Ijtehad at a young age. Later he became one of the prominent Sources of Emulation at Najaf seminary in Iraq. Among his most important books, mention can be made of “Lubab al-Ijtehad”, and “Tazkerat an-Nafs”.

Hojjat al-Islam Seyyed Ali Andarzgou
On August 23, in 1978 AD, Hojjat al-Islam Seyyed Ali Andarzgou, was martyred by agents of the Shah's regime. He started his struggles at the age of 19 and joined the Islamic Coalition Group after acquaintance with Hojjat al-Islam Seyyed Mojtaba Nawab Safavi (martyred by the Shah in 1955). Andarzgou was one of the planners of the revolutionary execution in 1965 of the Shah's Prime Minister, the notorious Hassan-Ali Mansour, who mortgaged Iran's sovereignty by signing the scandalous Capitulation Accord granting judicial immunity to US nationals in Iran. For the next 13 years, Andarzgou, who was sentenced to death in absentia, continued his underground activities against the Shah's despotic regime, until he was identified and attained martyrdom this day in an armed clash.

The exegete of the Holy Qur’an, Ayatollah Mirza Abu’l-Hussain Sharani
On 7th of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 1393 AH, the exegete of the Holy Qur’an, Ayatollah Mirza Abu’l-Hussain Sharani, passed away at the age of 73. He was an authority on Islamic sciences, and in addition to Persian and Arabic, was fluent in French and Arabic, as well. He has left behind several compilations, including a 10-volume exegesis of the Holy Qur’an.

Ayatollah Seyyed Abdul-Majid Iravani
On August 27, 2012, 1992, the courageous Iranian Islamic scholar, Ayatollah Seyyed Abdul-Majid Iravani, passed away at the age of 58 years. Born in the city of Tabriz, he was a product of the Qom Seminary, where he studied under such prominent scholars as Grand Ayatollah Boroujerdi and the Father of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace). Ayatollah Iravani actively participated in the Islamic movement and struggles against Shah’s despotic regime and was incarcerated by the security forces on several occasions. Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, he lectured on Islamic sciences, while continuing his social and revolutionary activities.

Ayatollah Seyyed Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim
On August 29, 2003 AD, Ayatollah Seyyed Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim, the head of the Supreme Assembly for the Islamic Revolution of Iraq, was martyred in a terrorist bomb blast, along with over 100 worshippers, after leading the Friday Prayer in Najaf at the holy shrine of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (AS). He was the son of Late Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Mohsin al-Hakim, whose several family members were brutally martyred by Saddam the Ba’th minority dictator. It was Baqer Hakim’s first visit to his homeland Iraq after over two decades in exile in Iran.

Ayatollah Sheikh Mohammad Taha
On 13th of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 1323 AH, the prominent Islamic scholar, Ayatollah Sheikh Mohammad Taha, passed away at the age of 83. Born in holy Najaf in Iraq, he studied under the prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Morteza Ansari Dezfuli. He was a polymath in theology, principles of theology, hadith, and exegesis of the Holy Qur'an. He has left behind several books, including “An Annotation on “Ma’alem al-Osoul”.

Ayatollah Mirza Mohammad Baqer Ashtiani
On September 6, 1984 AD, the Iranian Islamic scholar, Ayatollah Mirza Mohammad Baqer Ashtiani, passed away. He was a product of the famous seminary of Najaf in Iraq, and after attaining Ijtehad he returned to Tehran and groomed several students. Among his valuable books, mention can be made of "Guidance in View of Islam" in Persian and "Ownership in Islam" in Arabic.

Iranian Islamic scholar, Mohammad Hussein Khatoun-Abadi
On 22nd of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 1151 AH, the Iranian Islamic scholar, Mohammad Hussein Khatoun-Abadi, passed away. He was an authority in theology, literature, and science of hadith. Among his valuable compilations, mention can be made of "Alwaahus- Samawiyyah" (Heavenly Tablets).

Prominent Iranian religious scholar and exegete of the Holy Qur’an, Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Taleqani
On September 9, 1979 AD, the prominent Iranian religious scholar and exegete of the Holy Qur’an, Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Taleqani, died of a heart attack at the age of 74. He was involved in the political developments from an early age, and in 1963 was jailed by the Pahlvai regime for participating in the 15th of Khordad uprising (June 4, 1963), following the arrest of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini.
In the subsequent years till the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, he was incarcerated or banished to the country’s remote places. Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Taleqani was named by the Late Imam as Head of the Revolutionary Council as well as the Friday Prayer Leader of Tehran.
In the first round of elections for the Assembly of Experts, he was elected as the Tehran representative for an 8-year term. He was a prolific writer and among his works is an exegesis of several surahs of the Holy Qur’an as well as a book titled "System of Ownership in Islam".

“Mohaqqiq Khwansari”, the prominent Iranian Islamic scholar of the Safavid era
On 1st of the Islamic month of Rajab in 1098 AH, the prominent Iranian Islamic scholar of the Safavid era, Hussain ibn Mohammad, popularly known as “Mohaqqiq Khwansari” passed away. He was an expert in jurisprudence, theology, and other Islamic sciences. He groomed numerous students. Among his valuable works, mention could be made of a translation of the Holy Qur'an into Persian along with annotations. In the field of jurisprudence, he wrote "Mashareq ash-Shomous", which is in fact a splendid elucidation of the book titled “Durou" written by the First Martyr.

The prominent poet and religious scholar Adib Peshawari
On May 29 in 1930, the prominent poet and religious scholar, Seyyed Ahmad Peshawari, known as “Adib Peshawari”, passed away in Tehran. He was born near Peshawar in what is now Pakistan. He came to Iran to attend the classes of Islamic scholars such as Mullah Hadi Sabzevari. He also studied literary and philosophical books and wrote Persian poetry. His firm faith in Islam and indifference toward worldly matters are clearly evident in his poems. He has compiled a Divan of poetry in Persian language, which is a masterpiece.

Hojjat ol-Islam Seyyed Ali Akbar Abu Torabi
On 12th of the Iranian month of Khordad/ June 1, 2000 AD, Hojjat ol-Islam Seyyed Ali Akbar Abu Torabi, the combatant religious scholar of Iran, lost his life in a driving accident along with his virtuous father, Ayatollah Seyyed Abbas Abu Torabi, at the age of 61 years. He was born in the holy city of Qom and attended the classes of prominent Ulema, such as the Father of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (RA). With the commencement of Islamic movement in 1963, he became active in public life and was arrested and tortured by the Shah regime’s agents on several occasions. Following the victory of Islamic Revolution in 1979 he sincerely serving the people.
In September 1980, when the US imposed the war on Iran through its agent, Saddam, he rushed to the frontlines, and towards the end of the year was taken captive by the B’athist troops. For ten year, he was persecuted and tortured by his captors, but resisted and was known among Iranian POWs for his legendary steadfastness against the enemy. In 1990, he was freed along with other Iranian POWs and was instated by the Leader of Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as his representative for the affairs of released captives. He was elected to the parliament for two consecutive 4-year terms, serving people and adopting a simple lifestyle.

The prominent theologian, Ayatollah Seyyed Asadollah Madani
On September 10, 1981, the prominent theologian, Ayatollah Seyyed Asadollah Madani, was martyred by MKO terrorists in the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz, while leading the Friday Prayer.
Born in 1914 AD, he completed his studies at the Qom and Najaf Seminaries, and attained the status of Ijtehad. He was also active in the struggle against the despotic British-installed and US-backed Pahlavi regime, revealing the evil nature of the Shah during the 15th Khordad Uprising of June 4, 1963.
As a result, he suffered imprisonment and banishment to remote areas of the country. Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, he was appointed Friday Prayer Leader of Tabriz by the Founder of Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace).

The famous scholar, Sa'd bin Abdullah al-Ash'ari al-Qomi
On 27th of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 300 AH, the famous scholar, Sa'd bin Abdullah al-Ash'ari al-Qomi, passed away in Qom. He had the privilege of meeting Imam Hasan Askari (AS), the 11th Infallible Heir of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). He wrote several books including "Basa'er ad-Darajaat" and was an active missionary in Iran for the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt.

Ayatollah Fadai Astani
On 7th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 1262 AH, the theologian, Ayatollah Fadai Astani, passed away. He widely travelled after mastering Islamic sciences, and was an authority on theology and jurisprudence. He groomed many students and wrote several books. A Diwan of poems has remained from this pious scholar.

The contemporary Islamic scholar, Ayatollah Seyyed Mostafa Mousavi Khwansari Kashefi
On September 25, 1991 AD, the contemporary Islamic scholar, Ayatollah Seyyed Mostafa Mousavi Khwansari, popularly known as “Kashefi”, passed away. He was a prominent student of Grand Ayatollah Boroujerdi, and has left behind several books, including “Hajj Rituals”, and “Marriage in Islam”.

Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Abdul-Karim Hasheminejad
On September 28, 1981 AD, combatant religious scholar, Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Abdul-Karim Hasheminejad, was martyred by the MKO terrorists in the holy city of Mashhad at the age of 48. He was a student of such prominent scholars as Grand Ayatollah Boroujerdi and the Father of Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (RA). In addition to learning Islamic sciences, he was at the forefront of struggle of the Iranian people against Shah's despotic regime and was incarcerated and tortured by Pahlavi agents on several occasions. Following the victory of Islamic Revolution, he played an effective role in public affairs. Among the valuable works which he has left behind, mention can be made of the books: "Hazrat Zahra (SA)", and "The School of Thought of Resistance".

The prominent and pious Iranian scholar, Seyyed Meerza Mohammad Ibn Ali Astarabadi
On 13th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa'dah in 1028 AH, the prominent and pious Iranian scholar, Seyyed Meerza Mohammad Ibn Ali Astarabadi, passed away in Mecca, where he was settled, after residing for long in holy Najaf, Iraq. He was a prolific writer and among his books mention could be made of "Sharh Ayaat al-Ahkaam" on explanation of selected passages of the holy Qur'an and a book on Rijal or the science of evaluation of hadith narrators.